Norwalk committee appoints Jimenez to fill Kimmel's term on BOE

Published 8:00 pm, Sunday, March 15, 2009

The Norwalk Democratic Town Committee on Monday night elected Amy Jimenez to fill out the unexpired term of Bruce I. Kimmel on the Board of Education.

Jimenez, who served on the school board until 2001, said she is "happy to return."

"I was approached and gave it some consideration and thought I could be of help right away," Jimenez told The Hour afterward. "I'm happy to have the support of the DTC."

Jimenez will fill out the fourth and final year of Kimmel's term. His term expires on Election Day in November.

Kimmel, a Democrat, former Common Councilman and teacher in New York City, resigned from the board in January. Kimmel cited his health and schedule as reasons for stepping down.

Jimenez was among four candidates put forward to replace Kimmel during the Democratic Town Committee meeting at City Hall on Monday night.

Rosa M. Murray, a Democrat and school board chairwoman, told The Hour that Jimenez brings experience to the board.

"She served 10 years on the board," Murray said.

Jimenez was among four Democrats nominated to fill the vacancy. The other nominees were Heidi Keyes, Bob Wagman and Steven Collarossi. Jimenez was elected by majority vote, said Gail Wall, Democratic Town Committee chairwoman.

With Jimenez' election, the Norwalk Board of Education comprises seven Democrats and two Republicans.